CSHP Selects Jay Rho as 2008 Pharmacist of the Year and Mirta Millares for Distinguished Service.

Drs. Veronica Bandy, Daniel Dong and Maria Serpa Designated as 2008 Society Fellows and Darren Besoyan to Receive Technician Achievement Award

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- At a time when an increasing number of Californians are managing their health with daily medications and pharmacists are playing a growing leadership role in patient care, the California Society of Health-System Pharmacists (CSHP) has recognized several of its members for their outstanding professional dedication with its highest honors.

Jay Rho, PharmD, FASHP, FCSHP, has been selected as CSHP's 2008 Pharmacist of the Year. Rho serves as Area Pharmacy Director at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center.

"Jay has distinguished himself in every role he has filled and has mentored many students and pharmacists who have become leaders in our profession," said John Carbone, PharmD.

Mirta Millares, PharmD, FASHP, FCSHP, has been selected as the recipient of CSHP's Distinguished Service Award. Millares is Manager of Kaiser Permanente's Drug Information Services and Pharmacy Outcomes Research for California.

"Mirta is an exceptionally gifted and talented pharmacist, and her dedicated contributions have influenced us in so many positive ways," said CSHP past president Brian Hodgkins.

The 2008 Fellows --Veronica Bandy, PharmD, FCSHP, with Walgreens Pharmacy in Stockton; Daniel Dong, PharmD, FCSHP with Northern California Kaiser Permanente; and Maria Serpa, PharmD, FCSHP, with Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento - are formally recognized as pharmacists who have demonstrated a consistent commitment to educating students, practitioners, and the public about the practice of pharmacy.

Darren Besoyan, with UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, will receive the Technician Achievement Award for his active promotion of the advancement of the technician's role in pharmacy. All recipients will be recognized at Seminar 2008, CSHP's annual meeting on October 9-10 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.

Founded in 1962, the California Society of Health-System Pharmacists represents over 3,800 pharmacists and associates who serve patients and the public by promoting wellness and the best use of medications. CSHP members practice in a variety of organized healthcare settings -- hospitals, health maintenance organizations, clinics, home healthcare, and ambulatory care settings.

Editors' note: Individual photos and full bios available at CSHP.org.